We purchased TC 2544 in October of 2000 from a family friend who had owned the un-restored car for twenty-one years. Among the documents found in the TC was the original registration to its first owner. We know that the car was purchased April 22, 1947 by RAF member Patrick H. Caradine of Bury St. Edwards, Suffolk. The build date was just eleven days earlier on April 11, 1947. The car was transported to the United States on April18, 1972 by Frederick J. Hamlin who later resided in Enumclaw, Washington USA. We have no other history of the car.

We do know that TC 2544 was once reported destroyed in a garage fire in an article published by The Sacred Octagon. The car described in that article was reportedly owned by a Mr. Collacott. The same Mr. Collacott had earlier written his own article titled "The Rebirth of TC 2554" in which he describes the restoration of his car. Clearly this was simply a ten digit typo by the S O as our TC may have had lots of rust but no signs of a fire.

Our restoration of the car took three and a half years. To describe the entire process would take a book at least the size of Sherrells' "TCs Forever". So I will just say that the chassis work was done by myself during the first year. The engine and running gear were rebuilt by John Maloney of AutoSport of Seattle, WA. The challenge of the bodywork and tub rebuild occupied Andy Bradley of Bradley Restorations in Mount Vernon, WA for more than a year. Peter DeBruyn of Peter Productions in Seattle is credited for his beautiful and original looking restoration of the car's interior and top (hood). John, Andy, and Peter also provided us with plenty of moral support and shared their knowledge throughout this period for which we are very thankful.

After the completion of the restoration I was honored to give my 94 year old mother-in-law the first ride as a passenger in the car. She was overjoyed! My wife, son, and myself now look forward to enjoying our MG for many years to come and drive it every chance we get. Of course my mother-in-law still gets to ride when she wants to.

Bob & Stephanie Kampas